Basic soccer has high expectations despite high turnover

By Sean Ammerman

Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008 | midnight

Basic's soccer team has high expectations this year.

The Wolves, who have traditionally struggled, surprised many of their opponents last season by finishing second in the Southeast Division and advancing to the Sunrise Regional semifinals.

But with only four returning varsity players and a new coach, Basic has plenty to overcome if it wants to remain a playoff contender.

"Of course there's a little pressure this year because we want to get there again," senior midfielder Roberto Valdez said. "But last year also encourages me because I know we can do it and knowing that we did it last year gives me more confidence."

The trick for Valdez and the rest of the Basic seniors is to spread that confidence to the younger players.

The Wolves (2-3 as of Sept. 16) beat Liberty 1-0 on Sept. 11. as Valdez scored the winning goal with 15 minutes remaining and sophomore goalkeeper Branden Gonzalez earned his second shutout.

Before the Liberty game, Basic only scored once in three games, a tally by junior forward Irving Cabrera in a 1-0 win against Spring Valley on Sept. 2.

Cabrera said they need to be more aggressive offensively before it can contend with Southeast Division leaders such as Silverado, which beat Basic 6-0 on Sept. 9.

"We need to make more runs to the goal," Cabrera said. "I know a lot of the people I played with last year said they didn't think our team would do anything this year. I'd love to prove all of them wrong."

William Fitzgerald, who coached boys and girls soccer at the school for more than 20 years, returned as boys coach after spending the last five years strictly with the girls program. He replaces Tino Diaz, who coached the Wolves to their first playoff victory in more than two decades last year.

Getting used to the new players while implementing a new coaching style has come slowly but surely, he said.

"If their head is in the game and they're healthy, they can hold their own with just about any team," said Fitzgerald, who graduated from Basic in 1981 and played soccer for the Wolves. "Passing is a big key for them. If they can learn to adjust and pass, they should be good."

Before Fitzgerald took over in August, the returning seniors set up some intramural practices.

Impressed by the seniors' initiative, Fitzgerald attended the practices to get an early look at the team. The experienced play of Valdez stuck out to the coach immediately.

"I think he may be the best player I have ever coached at Basic," Fitzgerald said. "He has the best touch with the ball. He really just dominates."

Sean Ammerman can be reached at 990-2661 or [email protected].